I am not much of a zoo person, but I visited Basel zoo because while searching online about it, I came to know that the Oceanium/Ozeanium here is just spectacular!!! Sadly, very sadly, the Oceanium is still only on papers and not been constructed yet!!! So anyways, here are some pictures of the place.
These snow leopards were very interested and didn't take their sight off of the meat cylinder hanging in the opposite enclosure for the Rhino! Anyways, after eating this lump a bit, this fella decided to go on a swim.
This zoo is the largest (13ha) & oldest in Basel (however area wise it is smaller than Vandaloor zoo (510ha) closer to home in Chennai. This was opened in 3rd July 1874. Here are some more of the animals & birds there! This is just gonna be pictures!!!
The section for orangutans and chimpanzees were interesting. It pretty much reminded me of Dawn of the Planet of Apes. The place was huge filled with trees and covered in mesh. One section of the entire enclosure has a unbreakable double layered glass through which we can see inside very clearly. The apes could interact with the humans keeping hands together, try to touch with the glass barrier between. Unfortunately, very unfortunately there were no apes the day I went!!!
The aquarium was interesting, esp for kids, this place was a fantasy world! Esp, these 2 fishes really intrigued me - See that image of sand, there's actually a fish on it, in sand color. Go figure! The other one had sparkly golden spots on it. The last one, no, that's not a rock, that's actually a fish!!! There was a section within the aquarium, in sub-zero temperatures, meant for penguins!!!
Nearest tram/bus stop: Zoo Dorenbach, Zoo Bachletten, Basel Zoo;
Nearest metro station: Bahnhoff Basel SBB
My complete Basel Travelogue: Basel in 24 hrs Part 1, Part 2, Basel Zoo, Basel Munster
P.S: I was invited by Basel Tourism Dept to experience the city for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.
GeeZ. I can't believe the Oceana area wasn't even built yet. That's annoying. But the animals look beautiful. I would love to see the Orangutans since we don't have any at the Bronx Zoo in New York.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm not much of a zoo person but I love the animals you got to see here especially the rare snow leopards. What a treat it must have been to see such beautiful animals up close.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time endorsing Zoo's because I just don't think wild animals should be held captive for the pleasure of humans. Regardless of that though, there are some amazing animals there! I have always wanted to go to Basel and had no idea they had a zoo!
ReplyDeleteI really love your photo of the flamingoes! Awesome shot with great background blur. I'm a fan of penguins, so I'm glad you got to see some of those. :) I love zoos and didn't know anything about the zoo in Basel, so I'm glad I learned about it in your post!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to see a snow leopard. I really enjoy zoos because of all the animals in it.
ReplyDeleteThe animals look very cute. Children will definitely love this place.Interesting to know this zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Basel.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a zoo person either but that pond with flamingos caught my eye. I wish I can visit this place as well but looks like we are going to visit a zoo in Prague instead. Thirteen hectares is a huge area for a zoo, I wonder if one can finish touring the place in one day. Maybe when we decide to go the oceanarium will be opened already. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm always weary of zoos. I almost feel bad for the animals if the enclosures are small or seem unfit. Some zoos of course are amazing! This one seems quite comfortable for the animals and like a good day outing for the family. Did you enjoy going in the end?
ReplyDeleteI know Basel is in Switerland but , in my head, I picture the zoo in the Life of Pi. (Have you read the book or seen the movie?) Must be because I initially thought those are tigers in your photo. I need to my eyes fixed. ha!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a zoo person, but I love seeing cute animals photos.
ReplyDeleteThe Snow Leopard is a magnificent animal. Loved the photos! Great travel post :)
ReplyDeleteGood to know about this, and great pics! Looks like they have a good mix of animals there. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis zoo has been operating for ages! Glad they were able to maintain this zoo since 1874. I have a soft spot for animals and I really think they should be loved.
ReplyDeleteThe last zoo I was at was Khao Din Zoo (Dusit Zoo) in Bangkok, Thailand; it was a bit rundown and the animals looked a bit sad. Basel Zoo looks better - a more natural environment. I like the Meerkats and the penguins.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty pictures! I love looking at animals and zoos! This looks like a very nice one.
ReplyDeleteLike you, and a lot of my fellow commenters, i'm not a zoo fan...but your shots of the animals are super inspired! They really capture the majestic nature of the animals.
ReplyDeleteThe zoo looks excellent! I actually like zoos because I grew up going to the Bronx Zoo, which is great. I especially like the fish that looks like a rock and the fish that blends into the sand. Your pictures of the flamingos are beautiful too!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! I love that the zoo has been there for ages but it was still well-maintained and they made sure that the animals were well-taken cared of. I especially love the white tigers- they look so regal. It's too bad the oceanarium wasn't ready yet though - looking forward to more pictures if ever you do visit again. :)
ReplyDeleteThose penguins and flamingos look cute. I'm not a big fan of animals but I get delighted when I see the cute ones.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a zoo person either, but this one looks like it might be worth visiting. Love seeing all of the beautiful animals
ReplyDeleteI love zoos! I love looking at wild animals even if I'm scared of them. Lol! My favorite are the penguins because it is my dream to visit the the nortn and south poles. Hehehe. I hope Oceanium gets built soon. :)
ReplyDeleteThere are many animals here and everyone should go to the zoo one time per life, ANYWAY I am not absolutely a zoo person, for this reason I went there just for one time in my life (I am not going back anymore to); I love to see animals in their real habitat, even if is not possible for all of them! :-D thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI'm not a zoo person myself.Ü I'm scared of being bitten by animals. Don't worry about the Oceanium – once it's there, you'll have a reason to visit again. Nice pics, btw.
ReplyDeleteThe animals are so cute, I'd like to visit this zoo, I wasn't a huge fan of zoos either but I like animals so I think it's worth it sometimes
ReplyDeleteIf I am in Basel, I probably will not think of visiting a zoo. But this one looks very good with its displays. I like looking at big animals like the Rhino -- spectacular beasts!
ReplyDeleteThe penguins look so cute! I always remember Happy Feet when I see these animals. Does this zoo also present shows?
ReplyDeleteOne of my friends before travels to Switzerland regularly. That's because his dad is based there. He had many fun stories of his escapades there. It would be nice to visit this country in the future.
ReplyDeleteSeems the zoo is well taken care of. The animals looks healthy and happy. How I wish zoos here in our place would attain this stage of care.
ReplyDeleteThe flamingoes look so pretty! I'm not used to seeing them so pale though.
ReplyDeleteThe Basel Zoo looks great, with all the wild and rare animals on it. I just hope they will live just as long and as natural as if they were on their own home. Having to see them in one complete and neat area is an interesting attraction and a big investment for people running it. Thanks for capturing them beautifully and sharing the place. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures from the zoo. To be honest, I don't like visiting zoos and they way animals are treated. Look like you were quite excited visiting one after a super long time :)
ReplyDeleteThis zoo looks great. I am a bit wary going to zoos and how the conditions will be. I would love to see the aquarium when its finished
ReplyDeleteIs it like an open forest type of zoo? I am not sure, though but that's how I see it. Anyhow, I really love seeing wild animals living on their natural habitats. When I was still young, I thought that Zoo is the safest place for animals but oh, I never heard being a prisoner has been nice at all. This type of zoo, if my assumption is correct, should what every zoo must come up with.
ReplyDeleteWhat a drop scene that Oceania wasn't built yet. I am not a zoo person also but some zoos are really good like they say that zoo of Sydney is also very beautiful - not just because of animals but also because of the scenic beauty it offers!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of zoos, I think animals should live in freedom, but I imagine you had a fantastic and fun time here :)
ReplyDeleteI'm quite torn in between for zoos. As an animal lover, I love the animals, but there are activists who are against animal captivity and said that if I love them, they should be free~
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